His Majesty King Hamad of Bahrain has been chosen as the Best Arab National Personality for 2015.

The Arab Creators Union (ACU) chose His Majesty for the honour in tribute to his influential role in the Arab arena, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It also recognises his support to the cultural and artistic fields and solidarity with Egypt in its efforts to regain peace and stability.

Radio figure and ACU president Ahmed Nour said the union's specialised committee, which comprises an elite of media personnel, headed by former Egyptian Radio and Television Union chief Dr Sami Sherif, unanimously chose the King for the award and bestowed on him the ACU Oscar and the Creativity Excellence Medal in tribute to his efforts in serving the Arab community.

Nour said that choosing the King for the honour was well-thought-out and accurate.

Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty and Supreme Council for Women president, sent a cable of congratulations to the King, hailing his pioneering and influential role in advocating Arab causes, supporting cultural and intellectual initiatives serving the Arab nation and championing its unity and progress.

Shura Council chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh, parliament chairman Ahmed Al Mulla and MP Mohammed Al Jowder also sent cables of congratulations to the King.

The union was set up a decade ago by Mr Nour, who is also chairman of the Egypt Society for Culture and Creativity. It is now present in major Arab nations, including Kuwait, Yemen, Palestine and soon will have branches in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. - TradeArabia News Service